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Guided Luxury Adventure

Luxury Travel & Adventure Experiences in Nelson, New Zealand

Home / Day Trips / Karamea River Heli-Raft

Karamea River Heli-Raft

A day adventure trip experiencing the seldom rafted true wilderness Karamea River from Nelson. The Karamea River was rated by Outdoor Magazine as one of the Top 10 Multi-day rafting trips worldwide.

Experience the the beauty, tranquility, extremes and thrill of this mighty river, travelling by helicopter or fixed wing bush plane from Nelson.

Locations: Kahurangi National Park| Karamea RiverActivities: Helicopter based trips| RaftingDuration: One Day

Trip Summary

The Karamea River is a true wilderness river in a remote part of the Kahurangi National Park. Karamea, the village where the river runs out to the sea, is known as New Zealand’s remotest village. If you get a chance, allow yourself the time to spend a night in Karamea. You will get a truly unique Kiwi experience.

The scenic flight from Nelson to Karamea is through the magnificent mountain scenery of the 500,000 hectare Kahurangi National Park.

Our prices are based on flying from Nelson as a day trip. Karamea is approximately 30 minutes by fixed wing plane or helicopter from Nelson.

Trip Detail

If traveling by fixed wing plane from Nelson or Motueka to Karamea airfield, after landing you’ll travel by vehicle for about 20 minutes to the takeout area below the gorge, before being flown to the start of the rafting by helicopter. If you choose to fly from the Nelson area by luxury helicopter, we fly directly to the riverbank deep in the Park, where our raft and Guides are waiting.

After being provided with wetsuits, warm clothing and other safety gear, you will be fully briefed and undergo training. This builds confidence around what you need to do, and raises your enjoyment of the trip. It is normal to spend the 4-6 hours on the river without seeing another human. In other words the river is yours to enjoy.

This is a private trip. We do not run scheduled trips on the Karamea River. If you intend to be in Karamea and wish to raft you will need to book in advance as our rafting crew does not reside in Karamea. Please ask a for a specific quote if you wish to raft from this destination.

Included

Plane or helicopter flight to Karamea, transfer (15 minutes from Karamea if trip is by plane), helicopter into the start of rafting (if trip is by plane) all rafting gear including polypropylene underwear, wetsuits, helmets and lifejackets, lunch on the river.

FAQs

Physical Expectations

You are likely to be able to handle more than you would expect, as you will be part of a team that works together. You will receive training, and our expert Guide’s navigation will combine to provide you with an exhilarating and enjoyable wilderness river experience rather than a thrill ride. We don’t raft sections that are deemed too dangerous for the group. Depending on the flow of the river it can be graded between 3-5, and the trip will be managed to meet the skill and comfort of the group.

What kind of gear/clothing do I need?

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Since 2006 Simply Wild Journeys have been offering unique privately guided trips in the top of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island.

Encompassing walking and hiking, cycling and mountain biking, sailing, sea kayaking, and rafting, plus exploring the regions art, wine and culture, Simply Wild Journeys can provide you with a wonderful private day or multiday trip to remember during your New Zealand vacation.

On a Simply Wild trip you can see, do and enjoy more at your own pace. “It’s our experience that makes us special”.

EST. 2006
Helicopter – Karamea river
Karamea river rafting Simply Wild Journeys Kahurangi National Park
Family – Simply Wild heliraft Karamea River
Rafting – Karamea River – Simply Wild
“Journey at the Edge” Karamea River
Karamea Rafting
Karamea Gorge rafting Simply Wild Journeys

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About Simply Wild Journeys

Simply Wild Journeys are the experts in private bespoke luxury travel & adventure experiences in Nelson, New Zealand.

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About The Nelson Region

There’s nowhere else in the world where you’ll find, within a short distance, three spectacular National Parks, glistening golden sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters, alongside alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges.

Enjoy all year in a climate that rivals the Mediterranean.

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Corporate Team Adventure

Engaging and professional conference team events, stunning incentive, reward or destination options exploring Nelson's unique landscape & culture, and challenging corporate adventure journeys in Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks plus the Marlborough Sounds.

Simply Wild Events can provide your corporate team with a wide range of Conference and Team Activities in the Nelson Tasman region. Contact us to create an experience to remember for your team.

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